Casual Cool

Casual, Cool & Chic

I like the comfort of being laid back and the easiness of dressing casually, but I also love maintaining chicness while I do it. This tribal print gray & black wool blend jacket comes from Forever21. I found it in the clearance section, and it was half off the already marked down price.  I only paid $12 for it. The black lycra leggins are by DKNY. I bought them on sale for $ 21.99, from Nordstrom Rack. The original retail price was $79.99. This jacket is so versatile, it can be restyled just by changing the shoes and adding a nice winter hat.

Accessory Tip:

I added a little something to the outfit by accessorizing it with a cummerbund styled suede belt,  that is accented with leather trim and two snap enclosures.  A pair of silver hoops and simple silver chain are all you need to keep the look on trend.

Shoe Tip:

I wore these high heeled "Boutique9" booties with this outfit. The gray wool contrasts nicely with the black leather up the front, along the top and down the 4" heels. The brass accented lace up enclosures are also a nice detail.They were purchased from Nordstrom for around $99. 

Western Option:

An alternative to the short booties, are these over the knee riding boots. They are by Vince Camuto. The original retail price was $249.99. To enhance the riding boot, add a gray or black Stetson cowboy hat, black jeans, and a tooled leather belt for a more western vibe.

Time To Shine

Holiday Sparkle

The holiday season is literally just weeks away. Beat the other revelers by getting a head start on your party attire. When I'm looking for the perfect dress for that special occasion, the first place I look is in my closet. If you are a savvy shopper, I'm sure you've bought items in the off season, because of the drastically reduced price. I only paid about $40 for this dress. The regular price was over $150. I bought it last February; because I knew there would come a time when I'd need something pretty to wear during the next holiday season. This strapless silk dress is by Calvin Klein. The platinum color looks like a tall glass of sparkling champagne. The body conscience ruched design, hugs the curves, while providing a distraction for the most critical eye. The oversize bow detail is another element which adds interest and flair. 

Accessory Tip: I think a pair of studs (diamond, crystal, or cubic zirconia), with a studded choker would be the perfect accessories for this dress.  The only other piece of jewelry I would consider adding, would be a either a tennis bracelet or a studded cuff. 

Shoe Tip:

The shoes are by Casadei. They are made of a combination of champagne colored silk and jet black patent leather. The champagne color in the shoes, couples very well with the color of the dress. They are traditional sling backs modernized with the addition of ankle straps. The regular price was $450, but I bought them from Dillards on sale for much less.

Let's Rock n Roll

Rock Star Ready

This is one of my most statement making pieces. It definitely causes heads to turn. This python snake print duster is made by Kathryn Conover. The print and texture looks and feels like real python, but it's actually made from polyester and elasthanne.The various purples and caramel color compliment each other beautifully. I bought this duster years ago from Nordstrom on sale for $109. The original retail price was $268. When I purchased it it was actually a wrap dress, that I redesigned into a duster. I was looking for something cool to wear to a concert, and wanted it to have a hip yet sophisticated appeal. The pattern, colors, and design of this jacket are very bold, and requires a certain type of fashion confidence to wear it. I wore it with a pair of purple skinny jeans and matching purple T-shirt. 

Accessory Tip: The only jewelry I wore with this outfit was a pair of over sized purple crystal earrings. I didn't wear a necklace because of the busyness of the pattern in the fabric. I also wore an over-sized caramel colored satchel handbag.

Shoe Tip: I chose to keep the Rock n Roll 
 theme going, by being just as bold with my boots. They are by Stuart Weitzman, and originally sold for $498. Made from caramel colored calfskin leather, with a four inch stacked wood heel. The butter soft leather hugs the calf and rises 3-4 inches above the knee. The designer took both style and comfort into consideration, by adding a matching strip of elastic at the top rear of the boot. This allows the boots to fit to perfection, without cutting into the back of the thigh. The clean design of the shaft has simple top-stitched detailing. This boot is so versatile, it can either be rocked out in the way it was with this duster or worn with a business suit.